PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — There once was a mayor named Nutter, and today, rather than rely on bad limericks, he named a new Poet Laureate of Philadelphia.

The ability to rhyme is not a prerequisite.

On Friday, Mayor Nutter appointed 44-year-old Frank Sherlock as the city’s second Poet Laureate, succeeding Sonia Sanchez in a two-year term.

“I am very excited for him to pick up the pen — literally — where Sonia Sanchez left it,” Nutter said.

Sherlock was raised in Southwest Philadelphia and last year he was named a Pew Fellow in the Arts for Literature:

“It’s through my work with language that brings me here today, but I can’t find words to express the gratitude to the city that raised me, beat me up a few times, and still reveals Philadelphia Botherly Love.”

Officials say as poet laureate, Sherlock will take part in public readings and spend time working with younger poets.

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Mike Dunn is City Hall bureau chief for KYW Newsradio 1060. He covers the mayor, City Council, and every other aspect of the city’s political landscape.
Mike has been with KYW since 1990. His reporting specialties have also included keeping an eye...